Proclaiming the Unknown God
Acts 17:16-34
Pastor Mark Olson
The kind of God we worship, determines the kind of person we become - we become what we worship...
Sad truth - great ignorance of the true, living God
Athenians worshipped the “unknown god” because they did not want to leave any god out of their pantheon of deities, but it also reflects their great ignorance of the one, true, God.
Like Paul, we too must proclaim who the unknown God is to our generation and culture
The World of Paul’s Time
Pagan worldview
The gods control nature and human life
These gods are finite, good/bad, imperfect, glorified humans
Degrees of authority in various locations - hierarchy
Goal of worship - win their favor/blessing
Epicureans
Supreme good = happiness; pain is evil
Atoms control world/fate - devalued myths, religion
Death is final; no resurrection
Appealed to educated classes in Roman society
Stoics
World soul/divine reason guides everything
God’s - symbols of this world soul
Natural moral law and self-control
Death is final; immortal spirit; no resurrection
Our World Today
Belief in one God (most people you will meet)
Many paths lead to this one God - relativism
Jesus, good moral teacher, someone to respect
General goodness entitles one to heaven - good outweighs bad
Death is final, immortal spirit; no resurrection of body
What Must We Proclaim About the True God vv 24-31
1. God is the Creator & Lord of all things v 24
2. God is Immaterial - does not live in temples v 25
Self-contained - is not served; does not need anything
Source for everything we need - we are dependent on him!
3. God oversees & guides human affairs and destiny v 26
One man = allusion to Genesis
Purpose = inhabit whole world
He sets up & deposes kings & rulers - active in our world
4. God wants relationship with us - grace v 27
God wants to be sought after: seek… reach out… find him
God is immanent - near & close to us
Problem: not distance, but estrangement & alienation
5. We are God’s offspring - made in his image v 28
Designed to live in fellowship with God
To live, move and have our being in him - true happiness
Insight: our humanity tells us something about God… he is personal
6. Idolatry is stupid and offensive to God v 29
Surely we are not gold, wood, stone - neither is God
We are offended when treated as an object or thing
Surely God feels the same way
Heart of the problem - we have mistreated God
7. God expects people to repent! v 30
God is just...he judges how people treat him
Cross/Res teach (1) God is going to judge
(2) God offers mercy now if we repent
(3) God promises resurrection!
Closing: The Choice is Yours to Make vv32-34
1. We can reject God - as many Athenians did
Do nothing, continue on our present path
2. We can hear… believe… follow
Hear = open, teachable spirit
Believe = personal commitment to Christ
Follow = become a disciple of Jesus
